Medical Physics Curriculum & Courses
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Medical Physics program takes a science-based approach to solving problems in medicine. The curriculum is rich in physics and mathematics, providing a solid theoretical base for understanding the methods and technologies used in diagnosing and treating disease. The program also provides plenty of opportunities to gain practical, hands-on training in the lab.
Course Lists
Common First Year Science: In year one, you share identical required courses with two other Faculty of Science programs: Biology and Chemistry. This gives you flexibility to explore various routes leading to a degree, while building a foundation in science. A mandatory Orientation Course will help you develop learning strategies and skills for university-level study.
Second Semester
REQUIRED:
BLG 144 Biology II
CHY 113 General Chemistry II
MTH 231 Modern Mathematics II
PCS 130 Physics II
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
*This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Common Second Year Physics: All Medical Physics undergraduates share the same required courses in year two. You’ll gain more breadth across various areas of physics – and begin to bridge into medical physics.
Third Semester
REQUIRED:
MTH 108 Linear Algebra
MTH 330 Calculus and Geometry
PCS 229 Introduction to Medical Physics
PCS 300 Modern Physics
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
Upper Years: In years three and four, you’ll spend more time in the lab, gaining technical expertise in the application of physics in medicine. You’ll also explore specialty areas through professionally-related course options.
Revised curriculum begins 2020-2021 for students admitted Fall 2018 and after.
Sixth Semester
REQUIRED:
PCS 352 Nuclear Physics/Radiation Protection
PCS 335 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
PCS 405 Medical Imaging
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
LIBERAL STUDIES/PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
OR
One course from Table I*.
*Timetabling Flexibility: Students who take a Table B course in 6th Semester will take a Table I course in 7th Semester. Students who take a Table I course in 6th Semester will choose a Table B course in 7th Semester.
Fourth-Year Thesis: In year four, you’ll continue to deepen your medical physics expertise and technical skills. Most students complete an independent thesis with a faculty member or local research hospital. The thesis provides hands-on, working experience in scientific research, and a foundation for studying physics at the graduate level.
Revised 2020-2021 for students admitted Fall 2017 and after.
Seventh Semester
REQUIRED:
PCS 40A/B Medical Physics - Thesis
PCS 354 Radiation Biology
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: One course from Table I.
LIBERAL STUDIES/PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
OR
One course from Table I.
Eighth Semester
REQUIRED:
PCS 40A/B Medical Physics - Thesis
PCS 407 Radiation Therapy
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: Two courses from Table I.
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
*Timetabling Flexibility: Students who take a Table B course in 6th Semester will take a Table I course in 7th Semester. Students who take a Table I course in 6th Semester will choose a Table B course in 7th Semester.
PCS 40A/B is a two-term course.
Full-Time, Five-Year Co-Op Program
Fifth Semester (Offered in Fall term only)
Last offered Winter 2021 for students admitted Fall 2017. Students admitted Fall 2018 see revised curriculum below.
REQUIRED:
PCS 228 Electricity and Magnetism
PCS 335 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
PCS 405 Medical Imaging
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
LIBERAL STUDIES/PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
OR
One course from Table I.*
*Timetabling Flexibility: Students who take a Table B course in 6th Semester will take a Table I course in 7th Semester. Students who take a Table I course in 6th Semester will choose a Table B course in 7th Semester.
Revised curriculum begins 2020-2021 for students admitted Fall 2018 and after.
Fifth Semester (Offered in Fall term only)
REQUIRED:
BLG 311 Cell Biology
PCS 230 Photonics and Optical Devices
PCS 622 Mathematical Methods in Medical Physics
PCS 623 Biostatistics
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: One course from Table I.
Revised curriculum begins 2020-2021 for students admitted Fall 2018 and after.
Sixth Semester
REQUIRED:
PCS 352 Nuclear Physics/Radiation Protection
PCS 335 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
PCS 405 Medical Imaging
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
LIBERAL STUDIES/PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
OR
One course from Table I.*
*Timetabling Flexibility: Students who take a Table B course in 6th Semester will take a Table I course in 7th Semester. Students who take a Table I course in 6th Semester will choose a Table B course in 7th Semester.
Revised 2020-2021 for students admitted Fall 2017 and after.
Seventh Semester
REQUIRED:
PCS 40A/B Medical Physics - Thesis
PCS 354 Radiation Biology
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: One course from Table I.
LIBERAL STUDIES/PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
OR
One course from Table I.*
Eighth Semester
REQUIRED:
PCS 40A/B Medical Physics - Thesis
PCS 407 Radiation Therapy
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: Two courses from Table I.
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
*Timetabling Flexibility: Students who take a Table B course in 6th Semester will take a Table I course in 7th Semester. Students who take a Table I course in 6th Semester will choose a Table B course in 7th Semester.
PCS 40A/B is a two-term course.